Engine signal switch



May 1, 1934. A. KERZAK ENGINE SIGNAL SWITCH Filed Feb. 27, 1933 2Sheets-Sheet l May 1, 1934. A, KERZAK ENGINE SIGNAL swxwcn Filed Feb.27, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inbcnfor Zrza/I: M

Patented May 1, 1934 Application February 27,

STATES PATENT OFFICE 1,957,106 ENGINE SIGNAL SWITCH Andrew Kerzak, NewYork, N. Y.

1 Claim.

The present invention relates to a signaling device or apparatus whichfor use in connection with mobiles and has for its pri is particularlyintended the engines of automary object to provide,

in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a signal embodying a novelconstruction, combination and arrangement of parts through the medium ofwhich the operator of the automobile will be warned when the engine, hasstalled.

which has been idling Another important object ofthe invention is toprovide a signal for indicating when the ignition switch of anautomobile is turned on and the engine is not running, discharge of thebattery thereby preventing the through carlessness.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a signal of theaforementioned character which will be simple in construction,

in use, compact, and which efficient and reliable strong, durable,

may be manufactured and installed at low .cost.

All of the foregoing and of the invention will become apand advantagesstill further objects parent from a study of the followingspecification, ing drawings wherein taken in connection like charactersof referwith the acompanyence designate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views, and wherein:-

Figure 1 is a view in side elevation,

showing a signalling apparatus in accordance with the present inventioninstalled for operation.

Figure 2 isa horizontal sectional view, taken substantially on the line2-2 of Figure 1, and

showing the suction controlled switch in closed position.

Figure 3 is a view in the suction controlled switch open, as when theFigure 4 is a detail view in elevation,

at the inner side of the which the automatic mounted.

horizontal section through switch,

engine showing said is running.

looking diaphragm housing in switch contacts are Figure 5 is a detailview in elevation of the valve head.

Figure 6 is a detail view in vertical transverse section through thevalve, the line 6-6 of Figure 3.

Referring now to the taken substantially on drawings in detail, it

will be seen that the embodiment of the invention which has beenillustrated comprises a housing which is designated generally by thereference numeral plemental half sections 2 1, said housing includingcomand 3 which are .se-

cured together, as at 4. The housing 1 is mounted in position on theintake manifold 5 of the engine 6 through the me dium of an externally1933, Serial No. 658,855

threaded nipple 7 having a head 8 on one end engaged with the inner sideof the section 3 of the housing 1. The reference numeral 9 designates alock nut which is threaded on the nipple 'I and engaged with the section3 of the housing 1. The housing 1 communicates with the intake manifold5 through the bore 10 which extends longitudinally through the nipple'7, said bore 10 being substantially conical at one end to provide avalve seat 11 in the housing 1.

Mounted between the sections 2 and 3 for operation in the housing 1 is adiaphragm 12. The diaphragm 12 is of suitable electricity insulatingmaterial, preferably rubber, and has mounted thereon a stem 13 whichprojects from opposite sides of said diaphragm. Disks 14, also ofelectricity insulating material, are fixed on the stem 13 againstopposite sides of the diaphragm 12.

Fixed on one end of the stem 13 is a valve head 15 which is engageablewith the seat 11. The head 15 is provided with a groove or channel 16through the medium of which limited communication is had between thehousing 1 and the intake manifold 5 when said head is engaged on theseat 11. The reference numeral 17 designates a coil spring whichencircles the stem 13 in the housing section 3 and which has one endengaged with the head 8 of the nipple 7 and its other end engaged withthe adjacent disk 14 for yieldingly urging the head 15 away from theseat 11.

The outer side of the housing section 2 has formed therein an opening inwhich a disk 18 of insulating material is mounted. Secured on theinsulating disk 18, as at 19, are resilient contact fingers 20 whichextend toward the diaphragm 12. Fixed on the adjacent end of the stem 13is a substantially conical head 21 of suitable current conductingmaterial which is adapted to bridge the contacts 20.

The reference numeral 22 designates the usual ignition switch on theinstrument board 23 of the automobile. One side of the switch 22 is, ofcourse, connected with the usual storage battery 24 of the automobile bya conductor 25. A ccnductor 26 connects one of the contacts 20 with theother side of the ignition switch 22. The other contact 20 iselectrically connected by a conductor 2'1 with an electric lamp 28 whichis preferably mounted on the instrument board of the automobile.

Briefly, the operation of the invention is as follows:-

When the switch 22 is closed and the engine 6 is running, suction iscreated by the intake manifold 5 in the section 3 of the housing 1through the nipple 7, thus flexing the diaphragm 12 in a direction todisengage the head 21 from the contacts 20 and engage the valve head 15with the seat 7. By reason of the groove or channel 16,

sufficient suction will be maintained in the housing 1 at all times whenthe engine is running to maintain the head 15 in engagement with theseat 11 against the tension of the coil spring 7 but constant excessivestrain on the diaphragm 12 will be avoided. However, should the enginestall, thus eliminating the suctionin the section 3 of the housing 1,the diaphragm 12, assistedby the spring 17, will return to its normalposition, thereby engaging the head 21 with the contacts 20 forcompleting the electric circuit between the storage battery 24 and thesignal lamp 28. Thus, the operator of the automobile will be'warnedshould the engine stop.

It is believed that the many advantages of a signal constructed inaccordance with the present invention will be readily understood, andalthough the preferred embodiment of the invention is as illustrated anddescribed, it is to be understood .mally urging the valve that changesin the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement ofparts may be resorted to which will fall within the scope of theinvention acclaimed.

What is claimed is:-

A pressure operated switch comprising a casing having a diaphragmcentrally disposed therein dividing the casing into two compartments,one side of said casing above the diaphragm having a threaded tubularprojection for connection with a suction conduit, and having a valveseat therein, a valve having one end connected to the diaphragm, amovable contact on the other side of said diaphragm, a stationaryelectrical contact connected to the casing, and resilient means norfromengagement with the valve seat and contacting the movable contact withits stationary electrical contact, said valve having a channel thereinfor providing limited communication between said suction conduit andsaid casing when said valve is engaged with said valve seat.

